🛤️ How to Get to the Thai Islands on a Budget: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao from Surat Thani

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get to Thailand’s islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or even Koh Tao, you’re in the right place.

I just finished traveling through Thailand using local trains and buses, and in this post, I’ll walk you through how to go from Surat Thani to the islands step-by-step—without blowing your budget.

📍 Why Surat Thani?

Let’s be honest—Surat Thani isn’t a major tourist destination. But it's the gateway to the Gulf of Thailand islands. Whether you’re heading to party on Koh Phangan, chill on Koh Samui, or dive around Koh Tao, Surat Thani is your launchpad.

🚉 Step 1: Arrive in Surat Thani by Train

If you’re following the budget traveler route, the train is your best friend. Trains in Thailand are incredibly cheap and surprisingly comfortable. You can catch one from Bangkok or anywhere on the Southern Line.

Once you arrive in Surat Thani Railway Station, the next step is to get into the city cheaply.

🚌 Step 2: Local Bus to Surat Thani City

Right outside the train station, you’ll spot the local orange bus. You can’t miss it.

• Cost: 20 THB

• Time: Around 1 hour (even at rush hour!)

• Destination: Surat Thani Terminal 1 (the main bus station in the city)

This local bus is the best budget option, and you’ll get a real taste of local Thai life on board.

🛏️ Step 3: Cheap Accommodation in Surat Thani

I recommend staying at My Place @ Surat Hotel. It’s just a short walk from the bus terminal.

• Shared room: 229 THB

• Facilities: Shared bathroom (both squat and Western-style toilets), cold shower

• Vibe: Super basic but clean and totally budget-friendly.

👉 I’ll drop a booking link in the description if you want to reserve in advance.

🚤 Step 4: Booking Your Boat + Bus to the Islands

Here’s the honest truth: there’s no ultra-cheap hack to get to the islands—but you can still keep it affordable.

Your hotel can help you book a combo ticket that includes both the bus ride to the pier and the ferry to the islands.

💸 Price Breakdown (One Way):

• Koh Samui: 240 THB (bus + boat with AC)

• Koh Phangan: 320 THB

• Koh Tao: 700 THB – But it’s better to go via Chumphon if you're heading here to save money.
  

Pro tip: Want to go to Koh Tao? Take the train to Chumphon instead. Ferries from there are cheaper and more direct!

🚖 Other Local Costs:

• Airport transfer (Surat Thani Airport): 1200 THB

• Local city taxi or van: ~250 THB

• 
  

💡 Final Thoughts

Traveling to Thailand’s islands doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By using local transportation and avoiding overpriced tourist shuttles, you can experience the journey like a true Budget Nomad.

This route is perfect for backpackers, digital nomads, and anyone who prefers authentic, affordable travel.

📺 Watch the Full Journey on YouTube

Don’t forget to check out my YouTube video for all the visuals of the local bus, the train ride, the hotel, and tips from the road. 👉 Subscribe to BUDGET NOMAD for weekly travel tips, guides, and destination reviews 📸 Follow me on Instagram: budgetnomad0 💼 Work with me: budgetnomad0@gmail.com

👉 Subscribe to the channel if you’re enjoying this local Thai train adventure—more island hopping and budget travel content is on the way!